For me the issue is not whether or not the new C is nicer than the old C. It's whether MB did the right job on the new C compared to other non-MB cars.

In a lot of ways, they did a great job. The exterior is really well done. The interior is not what I expect from a MB. It's really unfortunate. In addition to the very "plastic" look of the dash, you add the fact that you can't get memory seats or keyless go? Every single competitor to the new C is optioned far better and has more power. I'm a big MB fan but (even though I'm still trying) I can't talk myself into a new C. And I have to say, I was really hyped up for one - until I went to the dealer and saw the details.

The dash is actually the same material that appears in other Mercedes and BMW's, its just got an odd texture in the C that looks unsettling at first glance. As for the other comment, Benz has never tried to be anything but a Benz. To say they aren't in competition with other manufactors would be wrong, but they aren't trying to be like their competitors. In typical MB fashion they release a new model some what stripped down and over the next five to six years they will add pieces to it to make each model year some what different. Next year you can expect minor upgrades to the option list for such things as the memory seats, wood trim in C300 sports then in the coming years things such as outside trim and wheels will be changed and eventually the headlights and bumpers to make it appear refreshed.

My two cents on the interior is if your looking at a Lux version any color looks good inside. If your looking at a Sport or Lux with leather interior any color looks fine. If you looking at a Sport C300 in MBTex..you have to go with the grey/black interior, the black with the silver trim screams Kia.

Like you said, it's all a matter of taste, and my C300 4Matic like most others have all black interior.

To me the grey/black looks "plastic" and I am glad I chose the black MBtex..

Now, I am demanding an apology. Kia?! how dare you, at least a Honda!!

All car interiors have plastic in them. It's the graining and the fit that makes some appear cheap. I thought the C's interior looked nice, and unconventional, then I started reading about how cheap it looks. I almost bought into it until I actually bought one and spent time in it. It doesn't seem cheap to me at all now. It's intuitive and very comfortable. Look at some top-line GM cars with tupperware interior. That's cheap. In my opinion, the W203 interior looks a lot like GM interior with that odd rounded Saturnesque dashboard. I thought my Passat always had a rich feel to it, but my Benz makes it feel like a toy.

I have friends with B7, A4s and BMWs, and all of them are very impressed with my car, which is why I bought it

If you like the car, you don't have to justify it to anyone.

Intuitive? Well, maybe. Except for:
- that dumb placement of the cruise control (better on the wheel than as a stalk where you'd signal a turn from). Sure MB does it "right" but most of us have other cars and switch back and forth. This is a dumb placement.
- that throwback to GM called the footbrake. Most modern cars, especially of this size, have a hand brake. It nearly kept me from buying the C. I really don't like foot brakes. Sure I know MB's "always had them", just ask me about the hand brake on the '61 190. But today we have hand brakes. Okay, the hill-assist helps, but it's just not enough.

That said, the only complaints I have about the interior are:
- the plastic star on the steering wheel chips easily
- the black material used on the dash seems to attract small bits of dirt that don't seem to want to go away. I'tll take soap and water to clean up some of them, and I don't even know how they showed up to start with.

But, sit back, enjoy the ride, and realize that this car is fantastic!

As for a cheap dash, check out the late-model Jeep Wrangler. Hard plastic pieces that will break if you aren't careful. Dirt collectors, and careful, this stuff will melt if a heat sink gets too close. Not a high quality item. But wait, didn't MB own Jeep (Chrysler) .... Hmm.

It is most certainly not "the same material" any more than a milk jug is the same material as a ketchup bottle. It really isn't bad - it's just not what I expect from a MB. The devil is in the details. Feel the texture of the new C center console, and then move over to an E and do the same. Drive a C and then drive an E - listen to the difference in sound proofing. It's far different - whether you choose sport or luxury editions. Yes, the E is more money, but.... To be fair, what electronics there are are better than in the E (which will get them next year). There just aren't the basics. I mean, why give the car folding mirror and not memory seats? Why give it a pano option but not keyless go? Why limit the wood grain or aluminum to the small area they did? That's the rub. The seats are quite nice. Doors not bad. The problem is that it's still a $40k car and I expect more for that. I don't believe that this is a case of "typical benz fashion". I've had a few MBs and still drive a W208 that I'm going to replace (it's finally time). I just thought that they got the new C almost perfect and just a little more attention to detail would have made it a world beater. I'm not putting the car down - it's a nice ride. I just think they could have - and should have - finished what they started. That striking exterior deserves more attention on the inside (and a more potent motor!)

The dash material is actually the same stuff or very close to what was in my 3 series I got rid of and I too have the same problem with dirt showing up on it and not being able to get rid of it. As for the comment of the E being better...well yes it has a base price of $53k and the C has a base of $32..its not my fault dealerships sucker people into buying optioned out cars ha ha..honestly if I couldn't get the C for under $40 I would have never bought it, its not a $40k car no matter how much they try to sell it like it is. Think that pretty much summed up the statement you were making too...ha ha doh.